Kestrel Instruments Support & FAQs

The most common thing to do is order a tune-up on the Kestrel, which you can do here: https://kestrelinstruments.com/category-service-calibration/kestrel-tune-up

Berry compliant means that any of the textiles used in the product are sourced and made in the U.S.A.

For Kestrel 4500 Ballistic and 5700 Ballistic meters, the ballistics calculator will ALWAYS use station pressure despite the altitude number that is entered.

• If you want station pressure, set your reference altitude to ZERO on the Baro screen (4500 Series) or just view the Pressure screen (5000 Series).
• If you want your altitude to display correctly and have station pressure, you will need to enter your current barometric pressure as the reference barometric pressure. The reference altitude should remain ZERO, and Sync Alt should be OFF.

This condition can happen when the memory becomes full in the Kestrel.  Clearing the memory log should fix this condition.  Please try doing the following:

• Take the batteries out of the Kestrel.
• Hold down the power button for 30 seconds
• Put the batteries back into the Kestrel.
• Turn on the Kestrel.  Wait several minutes (could take a little while so be patient) until the pixilation clears and you can press buttons.
• Go to Main Menu->Memory Options and clear the data log.
• After data log is cleared, turn Kestrel off and then back on.  It should startup quicker now.

For more information on taking accurate measurements see Tips for Taking Accurate Measurements.

View this document to learn how to transfer gun profiles from 4500 to Kestrel 5 Series

See chart below:

The Kestrel will always display the correct density altitude no matter what is entered as the reference altitude. Density altitude is calculated from temperature, humidity, and station pressure. Density altitude data is NOT impacted by reference altitude.

Barometric pressure is pressure adjusted to sea level. You need a reference altitude to calculate this number. This is used to equate pressures independent of the altitude in order to view pressure changes/storm fronts. This calculation is typically used in meteorology.

This program only runs on Windows platforms. For 5700 units, it is required to use our USB connection cable to use this program

Applied Ballistics Profile Loader - Version 083   (Size: 6.4 MB)

This program is used to transfer gun profiles to and from a Kestrel ballistics unit and Windows computer. 4500 Ballistic models can use either Bluetooth or the PC Interface cradle but must have fw version 4.93. 5700 models must use the USB Transfer cable to connect. Instructions included in zip file.

Station pressure is used in practical applications outside of weather. For example, ballistics, air flight, and drag racing. This is the unadjusted atmospheric pressure felt at your current location.

Both Sync Alt and Sync Baro serve the same function. If these functions are "ON" when you exit the Ref Baro or Ref Alt screen, the Kestrel will input the adjusted Baro(or Alt) into the other screen automatically. (Note: if you select "YES" to turn one of these measurements ON, the other turns "ON" as well).

1. Start with a known; either current barometric pressure or current altitude. (NK recommends identifying your current altitude since it is constant.)
2. Enter this reference altitude on the barometric pressure screen.
   • For K1000-K3500 you would enter this by pressing both outside buttons.
3. Take note of the updated barometric pressure that is shown.
4. Use this updated barometric pressure as your reference pressure on the altitude screen.
5. Now your barometric pressure and altitude are set for your current location/conditions. Important note: If you change altitude the barometric pressure will become inaccurate. If a weather system moves in, the altitude will become inaccurate.

For more info check out our YouTube video on Setting Reference Pressure and Reference Altitude on the Kestrel 4000 series!

This means that the RH was not calibrated(same as E2). This will appear on screens that rely on RH calculations.

This message means that your batteries interfered with compass calibration. To solve this issue insert battery shim, rotate batteries, and try again. If this condition persists, try using a different battery brand. NK recommends Made in the USA Energizer® Brand Ultimate Lithium AAA batteries for improved reliability, capacity, cold-weather performance and weight.

Our article Understanding Pressure, Altitude and Density Altitude talks about Altitude and Barometric Pressure in great detail. The article also describes how to utilize your Kestrel to take these measurements.

The true distance to target should be entered, as reported by a laser range finder or whatever other means the operator is using to get range to target. See below:

Here is comprehensive overview courtesy of Todd Hodnett:

Kestrel 4 Series Instruction Manuals (Ballistics)

Kestrel 4500 Applied Ballistics Setup and Use Tutorial   (Size: 1.8 MB)

Overview of the setup and use of the Kestrel 4500 Shooter's Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics

Humidity

• The humidity sensor can drift up to +/- 2% for every 24 months. (This is independent of whether or not the Kestrel is used on a regular basis)
• NK recommends calibrating every 2 years to stay within spec.

Wind(Impeller)

• The impeller drift is <1% after 100 hours use at 16 MPH(This is dependent on usage)
• NK recommends purchasing a new impeller every 2-3 years base on usage.

Temperature

• The temperature sensor will have a negligible drift during the life of the product.
• The temperature sensor should NOT need recalibration.

Pressure

• The pressure sensor will have a negligible drift during the life of the Kestrel.
• This sensor can be recalibrated in the field with a known reference source.
• Please Contact NK before adjusting the system barometric pressure.
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Turn on your unit and remove the impeller. Find a magnet, such a refrigerator magnet. Go to the wind screen and move the magnet in the empty impeller area. If you get numbers other than “0” or “--", the unit is fine and you just need a new impeller. Call 610-447-1555 or visit the Kestrel® replacement parts page for a replacement impeller. On the other hand, if you still only get “0” or “--", please send the unit in for repair.

The unit is probably picking up electro-magnetic fields from elsewhere (i.e. nearby computer, TV, or electric motor). Simply remove the electro-magnetic source.

The Kestrel impeller IS balanced, and to a very high degree. It APPEARS to be imbalanced because of the tiny magnet incased within the impeller. The force acting on your impeller blade is magnetic, not gravitational. If you want to test this out, simply hold your Kestrel horizontally, and then rotate the entire instrument in the horizontal plane. PIC You will see that the impeller does not rotate. It acts like a compass and remains stationary. This is how it SHOULD act when properly operating.

Looking at the issue more technically, there are no known effects from either the weak or strong forces. The earth’s magnetic field has a vertical component everywhere but the equator, and this component creates a torque on the magnet mounted on the impeller shaft. Although the earth’s field does provide a weak aligning force, which causes the impeller to oscillate as it comes to a stop, there is NO effect on the accuracy of the windspeed reading. This is because the force acting on the impeller is “conservative” – it has no effect on the rotation speed. The conservative force causes acceleration of the impeller in equal and opposite measure to the deceleration every time the impeller completes an entire rotation.

Rest Assure that any new impeller from NK has been calibrated and tested to be well within the specified accuracy of plus/minus 3%. The impeller needs NO ADJUSTMENT. If your Kestrel® application involves hours of intense high-speed use, you may want to consider purchasing a replacement impeller ($15.00) once a year to ensure that your Kestrel maintains factory specified accuracy.

To take an immediate measurement, you must keep the air moving around the temperature sensor. If there is a strong breeze, just point the Kestrel into the wind. If there is no wind, swing the Kestrel around in a circle on its lanyard or rapidly wave it back and forth in hand. This ensures that the sensor measures the temperature of the air rather than the temperature of the case.

Alternatively, if you have time, allow the Kestrel to rest where you want to measure the air temperature (NOT in your hand) until the case temperature equalizes with the air temperature. When equalized, the display will read a constant value. Be aware that this could take as long as twenty minutes.

• They are lighter
• They offer much longer life with Bluetooth® low energy applications
• They offer better cold weather performance
• They WILL NOT leak in storage application, even with the low level power drain of data-logging.
• They protect and expensive Kestrel Weather Meter from internal damage due to inexpensive and leak-prone alkaline batteries.

If the humidity sensor housing (located above the rear label) is wet, the Kestrel cannot take an accurate humidity reading. If the sensor does become wet, shake the unit vigorously to remove the water, and then let it dry completely before use. If the sensor comes in contact with salt water, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, then shake it and allow it to dry.

The humidity sensor has been factory calibrated to be accurate to within ±3%. If your Kestrel appears to no longer meet this specification, it may need to be recalibrated. NK now offers an RH Calibration Kit for your home use.

First, make sure the unit is ON. The Kestrel must be ON in order to record any measurements related to Globe Temperature(TWL, WBGT, TnWB). If your unit is ON and you are still reading *** on the Kestrel measurement screen, there may be an issue with your black globe, and it may need to come in for repair. Contact us at Techsupport@nkhome.com or 1-800-784-4221.

• NK Bootloader- This is used exclusively for updating the firmware on the most recent Kestrels. This Bootloader will work with serial numbers 686705 and above. Serial numbers below 686705 cannot be updated.
• AB Profile Loader - This is the application used for creating and uploading gun profiles for the Kestrel Shooter's Weather Meter with Applied Ballistics.
  • Build 24 - used for firmware version 4.76 or below
  • Build 33 - used for firmware versions greater than 4.76
  • Build 70(or higher) - used for firmware version 4.93
• HK Gunloader - This is the application used for creating and uploading gun profiles for the Kestrel Shooter's Weather Meter with HORUS Atrag.

NK has put together a list of resolutions for common issues when connecting the Kestrel with Bluetooth® Classic.

K4

Bluetooth_Checklist   (Size: 401.2 KB)

A checklist to help troubleshoot bluetooth classic connection issues.

You can find all the information regarding the warranty on your Kestrel by Clicking here

If using interface Cradle, please install software driver and directions below.

Kestrel 4 Series Troubleshooting Documents

Kestrel Communicator Software - 4000 Series Only   (Size: 10.8 MB)

Kestrel Communicator Interface Software, v 2.1.1 compatible with ALL Kestrel 4000 series models

Kestrel 4 Series Instruction Manuals

Kestrel Interface Communication Software User Guide USB and Serial   (Size: 31.9 KB)

Kestrel Communicator Software Instructions

Kestrel 4 Series Downloads

PL2303 Windows Driver Download  

Prolific USB to serial driver

Every single Kestrel Meter and Kestrel DROP logger is factory tested to validate performance within specifications before it leaves our factory. We don’t rely on spot checks because we know you rely on your Kestrel to give you the accurate readings you need to stay safe, make decisions, and enjoy your activities. Each of our calibration standards is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring the highest level of reliability. Our wind/airflow standard is actually calibrated in the NIST laser doppler wind tunnel as this is the only lab in the country that can provide the calibration accuracy we require.

NK offers three types of calibration services to meet your accuracy validation needs. Each of these calibration services can be conveniently ordered through our website, allowing you to cross “Get my Kestrel calibrated” off your to-do list whenever convenient. And, ordering your calibration online creates an order history you can refer to in future. But, if you prefer, you can always call or chat with us during business hours to order your calibration. For more in-depth information about each of the services described below, simply click through to the relevant ordering page.

NIST Calibration Services

NIST Calibration is our most in-depth calibration service. The Kestrel’s measurements are compared to our NIST-traceable standard at two points after an appropriate equilibration period. The NIST Calibration Report and Certificate will show as found and as left values, standard values, acceptable range, and deviation. It will also list the date, serial number and model of the unit, desired recalibration interval, and test technician’s name and signature. NIST Calibration services can be added on to any new Kestrel purchase for customers who require it, or you may return your Kestrel to us at any time after purchase to validate its performance in detail. Please visit our Kestrel Calibration product for more information.

Factory Calibration Services

For Factory Calibration we repeat the tests performed on your unit when it was manufactured and provide a renewed Sensor Calibration Certificate confirming performance within specification, the serial number of the unit, and the signature of the testing agent. Please note that if you need more than one Factory Calibration, Tune-Ups offer a better value! Please visit our Kestrel Calibration product for more information.

Tune-Up Services

Tune-Ups include Factory Calibrations of all sensors on your unit as well as a new impeller, new battery, functional checks, cleaning and leak testing. Tune-Ups are priced at a flat $75 per unit so offer a great value if you need more than one Factory Calibration or just want to ensure your Kestrel is fully tested.

Note on Sensor Correction: If needed and available for the sensor in question, we will also restore your unit’s performance to specification by either replacing the impeller or correcting the sensor. Although not correctable, in our experience, both the temperature sensor (ambient and globe) and newer humidity sensor in the DROP and Kestrel 5 Series have proven extremely stable in performance. Every Kestrel is guaranteed to perform within specification, including the specified drift of the sensor in question, for Five Years from the date of manufacture or documented date of first customer purchase. If your Kestrel is under warranty and does not meet this standard under test, it will be repaired or replaced as covered under the terms of our Limited Warranty. If your Kestrel has an unrepairable problem and is no longer under warranty, you have the option of trading it in for a new or upgraded model under our Kestrel Trade-in, Trade-up Program. Please visit our Kestrel Tune-up product for more information.

Shipping Your Unit: After ordering a calibration or tune-up service online or via phone, please note your order number so you can add it to the outside of the box. Please pack your Kestrel securely and ship to:

Nielsen-Kellerman
21 Creek Circle
Boothwyn, PA 19061
Attn: ORDER####

You will also receive an email confirming these instructions. It is most important that we have your Order Number so we can promptly match your unit with your service request. You can also print your order confirmation and add it to the box.

Questions or clarifications about our calibration services? Email techsupport@nkhome.com or call (610) 447-1555.

"All measurements not available in all units"

Temperature Functions

For best accuracy when taking temperature measurements you must keep the air moving around the temperature sensor and keep the Kestrel out of prolonged, direct sunlight. If there is a strong breeze, just point the Kestrel into the wind. If there is no wind, swing the Kestrel around in a circle on its lanyard or rapidly wave it back and forth in hand. This ensures that the sensor measures the temperature of the air rather than the temperature of the case. Alternatively, if you have time, allow the Kestrel to rest where you want to measure the air temperature (NOT in your hand or in direct sunlight if there is no wind) until the case temperature equalizes with the air temperature. When equalized, the display will read a constant value. Be aware that this could take a few minutes, particularly if there is no wind.

Humidity Functions

One reason your Kestrel may not be reading accurate ambient humidity is because of proximity to humidity sources such as your hand, your body or the ground. Avoid covering the large humidity chamber opening on the case rear with your fingers. Keep all fingers below the finger groove and away from the chamber opening. Do not take reading that rely upon humidity with the Kestrel meter lying flat – raise it into the air vertically or stand it on its base and orient it into the wind or air flow. If a high level of accuracy is required for measurements involving humidity, do not hold the unit while taking measurements. Taking readings with the Kestrel in your hand or over your body can raise relative humidity by 5% or more. A Kestrel vane mount will isolate the Kestrel Meter from erroneous humidity influences and keep it oriented into the wind or air flow while taking measurements. Whenever you move your Kestrel Meter into a new environment wait until the primary sensor values have stabilized (Temperature, Humidity, etc.) before taking measurements that rely upon these values. After a large change in environmental condition, this may take 15 minutes or more, with humidity potentially taking the longest. If the humidity sensor housing (located above the rear label) is wet, the Kestrel cannot take an accurate humidity reading. If the sensor does become wet, shake the unit vigorously to remove the water, and then let it dry completely before use. If the sensor comes in contact with salt water, rinse it thoroughly with clean water, then shake it and allow it to dry. As is typical with humidity sensors, it is possible for the humidity sensor in the Kestrel to drift over time as described in the spec sheet. If your unit has a Humidity recalibration function, it can be returned to the factory or used with the Kestrel RH Calibration Kit to recalibrate its humidity readings.

Wind Meter Functions

Wind speed is highly dependent on surrounding obstructions such as buildings, yourself and the ground, with wind speeding up as it flows around and over obstacles and slowing down as it passes behind them. Even in an open area, Wind speed will be slower near the ground so ensure you are taking measurements at an appropriate height for your application. Hold the back of the unit directly into the wind. Holding the unit off-axis by 5° will reduce accuracy by 1%, 10° will reduce accuracy by 2% and 15° will reduce accuracy by 3%. Using a Kestrel Vane Mount will ensure the unit is correctly oriented into the wind and measuring accurate wind speeds. The Kestrel impeller housing can rotate in the unit. For best accuracy, ensure one of the three “arms” of the impeller housing is pointing straight up. The wind speed displayed by the Kestrel Meter is a 3 second rolling average. This allows the unit to provide a value that is more representative of the typical, ambient conditions but not capture peak speeds for instantaneous blasts of air.

Compass Functions

The compass in the Kestrel Meter is used for direction, crosswind, headwind/tailwind as well as for capturing various user inputs based on direction. When calibrating and when using the compass, it is important to hold the unit as vertically as possible. Any tilt in angle present when the unit is calibrated or when measurements are taken will negatively impact the accuracy of the compass reading. Many users will inadvertently tilt the Kestrel Meter away from themselves slightly when holding the unit. If a high level of accuracy is required, using a Kestrel vane mount on a leveled tripod for calibration and measurement can eliminate error.

Pressure Functions

All pressure and altitude measurements are made using the pressure sensor. Some units have a dedicated “Pressure” screen which shows Station Pressure, the raw pressure reading straight from the sensor. The Barometric Pressure measurement (Baro) displays the local Barometric Pressure using the Station Pressure measurement adjusted to the local altitude using the Reference Altitude value input by the user. The Altitude measurement displays the local altitude using the Station Pressure measurement combined with the Reference Baro value input by the user. To obtain an accurate barometric pressure or altitude readings, you must first know EITHER your location’s current barometric pressure OR your current altitude. If the Reference Altitude value is incorrect, the Barometric Pressure reading will also be incorrect. If the Reference Barometric pressure value is incorrect, the Altitude reading will also be incorrect. Because Barometric Pressure and Altitude are each dependent on the alternate reference value remaining constant, Barometric Pressure and Altitude cannot be accurately measured simultaneously. If your unit has a pressure recalibration function, a new Barometric Pressure calibration value may be input. If this value was not taken from a verified source (a local airport or weather station) with the Kestrel being calibrated at the same location as the reference device, pressure related measurements may be incorrect.

WBGT

When changing environments (such as moving form an air conditioned room to outdoors or removing the unit from your pocket) the unit requires between 8-15 minutes to equilibrate to its surroundings before taking readings. Take measurements at least 3 feet off the ground and in the same wind or air flow conditions as the people you are monitoring. Ensure the Kestrel is oriented into the wind and able to measure the full wind value. A tripod or pole mount and the Kestrel Rotating Vane Mount are ideal for ensuring accurate measurements. Differences in the reflectivity of ground surfaces such as grass or asphalt will impact measurements. Be sure to take measurements in the same solar/radiant heat environment as the people you are monitoring. Unlike best practices for other measurements, WBGT is intended to be taken in direct sunlight. As long as there is occasional wind the Kestrel has software that allows it to maintain an accurate WBGT reading despite being placed in direct sunlight.

Air Flow

Kestrel Professional Meters can calculate air flow through a duct by combining user input information about the size and shape of the duct with the measured air velocity. In addition to reading the instantaneous Air Flow off the main measurement screen, a more accurate result may be obtained by capturing an average air flow on the Min/Ave/Max screen while traversing the duct. Traversing consists of dividing the area of the duct into evenly sized sections and averaging the air flows at the center of all sections. By spending an equal amount of time at each measurement location and quickly moving between measurement locations, the average air flow measurement can provide a more accurate measure of the air flow in the duct. Capturing an average can be particularly helpful when measuring ducts with registers or dimensionally uneven air flow.

Evaporation Rate

(Kestrel 5200 Professional Environmental Meter) Kestrel Professional Meters can calculate a concrete evaporation rate (ACI 308) by combining a user input concrete temperature with measured air temperature, wind speed and relative humidity. Concrete mix temperature is generally measured with a probe or infrared thermometer and should be read at the time of making the evaporation rate measurement After inputting the mix temperature, hold the unit vertically, approximately 20 inches above the surface of the concrete while facing the rear of the unit directly into the wind. To avoid inaccurate Evaporation Rate readings due to thermal loading it is best to shade the Kestrel. (Be sure the source of shade is not obstructing the wind speed measurement.) The ACI recommends taking a 6-10 second average of the evaporation rate to account for fluctuating wind speeds. To measure an average Evaporation Rate, scroll right from the Evaporation Current Measurement Screen to the Min/Ave/Max Screen and press select to manually start and stop a capture.

To UPDATE your firmware on a Kestrel 4000 you can use the appropriate link below. Please Note: You will need to be able to connect your Kestrel to a Windows computer.

Kestrel 4 Series Downloads

Updating your Kestrel 4500 Applied Ballistics Firmware - 4.93   (Size: 1.1 MB)

Updating your Kestrel AB Firmware to 4.93 - Bluetooth and Non Bluetooth models

Updating your Kestrel 4500 Firmware 4.93 - Bluetooth Units only   (Size: 849.3 KB)

Use this link to upgrade your Kestrel 4500 Bluetooth Firmware 4.93

Updating your Kestrel 4500 Horus Firmware 4.93   (Size: 1 MB)

Updating your Horus Firmware to 4.93 on K4 Unit - Bluetooth and Non-Bluetooth units

Updating your Kestrel 4500 Sportsman Firmware to 4.93   (Size: 1.1 MB)

Updating your Kestrel Sportsman with AB Firmware to 4.93 - Bluetooth and Non Bluetooth models

Upgrading your Kestrel 4500 Firmware 4.93 for Non Bluetooth Units   (Size: 842.3 KB)

Use this link to upgrade your Kestrel 4500 Firmware 4.93 for Non Bluetooth Units

You will first need to create an account if you do not already have one. After you create an account, sign in. Click on your account name at the top of the page and select My Account. On the left of the screen, you will see Product Registration, select this option. Enter your purchase date, serial number and product name into the fields and then select Save.

Yes. You can always trade-in an older Kestrel, regardless of its condition, by using our Customer Trade-In Program.